About

Jessica Winkler

"I work closely with clients to form a deeper understanding of their goals, concerns, and interests and to develop a treatment plan that matches those ideals."

Why I became a therapist

I became a therapist because I feel there is power in sharing and processing our stories in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. Life brings all of us unexpected experiences, and sometimes those events require additional processing. I believe that everyone has their own narrative, and together we can work to understand it further and to look at new perspectives. While the fast-paced nature of life has the potential to turn down the volume of our voices, therapy is the perfect place for clients to be heard and to hear themselves truly. I’m inspired every day by my clients; starting the journey of self-exploration and self-care through therapy takes courage. I love building authentic relationships with my clients and walking beside them as we work together toward their goals.

Who I work with

I love working with individuals and couples who want to address depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, sex and intimacy, sexual trauma, LGBTQIA+, PTSD, life transitions, and quarter-life crisis. I work closely with clients to form a deeper understanding of their goals, concerns, and interests and to develop a treatment plan that matches those ideals. By utilizing a deeply integrative approach, I hope clients walk away from therapy feeling fulfilled, self-aware, and self-assured. I also hope clients feel more confident in their interpersonal relationships and in their relationship with themselves.

"I’m inspired every day by my clients; starting the journey of self-exploration and self-care through therapy takes courage."

Working With Me

One of my favorite parts of my job is having the honor to establish deep relationships with clients in a stable, safe, and non-judgemental environment. In session, I meet clients where they are, and we work together to get them to where they want to be. To facilitate this growth, I engage clients with a warm and holistic approach. In doing so, I collaborate with clients to produce goals and treatment plans that are the most meaningful to them. I utilize an integrated approach when working with clients that are heavily informed by feminist, psychodynamic, and person-centered theories. I also incorporate motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to form a deeper understanding of clients’ concerns and to help build a deeper mind-body connection. I believe therapeutic work should be holistic: mind, body, and spirit.

Qualifications and trainings

  • I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University;
  • I received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago;
  • I have conducted research and produced a curriculum for mental health professionals on sexual trauma;
  • I am a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS);
  • I am a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS) through Evergreen certifications;
  • I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR);
  • I also am an avid reader and love many of the books we have recommended on our reading list!

Ready to overcome the barriers holding you back?